How economical is the Toyota Corolla?
What is the combined fuel economy of the Toyota Corolla?
Gerard Goggin (Waterford)Expert answer
Hi Gerard,
You didn't specify if you're interested in a new Corolla or a used one, but here are the figures for the latest model:
- Toyota Corolla 1.3 Dual VVT-i (petrol): 5.8 litres/100km (48.7mpg)
- Toyota Corolla 1.4 D-4D 90 (diesel): 4.7 litres/100km (60.1mpg)
Come back to us if this doesn't answer your query.
Which Volkswagen Golf will I buy?
Hey, i'm looking to change my car at the minute and am thinking of the VW Golf 1.2 as i like the look of it and it will be cheap to insure, tax and run but as myself and my wife have a baby on the way i'm worried this won't be big enough. I don't do enough mileage to justify the extra cost of a 1.6 diesel and would like to stick to a max of 1.4. Do you think i should go ahead and get the Golf or is there anything else i should consider? My budget is 20k but i don't want a car older that 2010.
Brendan Cullen (Dublin)Sep 2011 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Brendan,
Having just come out of a Volkswagen Golf long-term test car I feel like I can speak with some authority on the car. For a start, it really depends on where you are driving and how far, when it comes to your engine choice.
The 1.6-litre TDi diesel is really good, but it probably isn't worth the extra cost unless you commute is quite long. Otherwise the 1.2 TSi is fine and while it isn't a rocket, it is perky enough. In terms of the the car being big enough, well yes it is. The Golf is fine for one baby and the boot is big enough to take the truly obnoxious buggy I put into it.
With your budget of €20,000, you would really have your choice of petrol or diesel models so it is really down to what you prefer. I really like this one. And although it is over your budget you would probably come in under as a cash buyer.
Am I better off buying a car in the UK and then importing it?
I have been researching replacing a Ford S-MAX (hence my questions to you alreadu!) and have been struck by the spec difference between the new model SEAT Alhambra here and in the UK. Most cars nowadays seem to be the same in the two countries, but with this model it appears to me that there is a huge difference.
We do not have the option of the more powerful diesels and the SE Lux in the UK comes with absolutely everything. The Irish spec is very basic in comparison with all the gizmos and leather etc. extra. Do you know why this might be? Based on my initial rough calculations I think I could buy a brand new model in the UK, pay the VAT/VRT and get a higher spec car for less.
What do you think?
Andrew Kelly (Limerick)Sep 2011 Filed under: importing
Expert answer
Hi Andrew,
We put this to Cartell.ie, the official vehicle records experts, and they had an interesting slant on things:
"The VRT issue is tricky - and the buyer must be extra vigilant now. With the transfer of functions for VRT calculation to the NCT centres the officials there have been warned to check the interior of the vehicle for evidence of 'extras'. This means the buyer could be unexpectedly hit with a premium, i.e. pay over-the-odds VRT on a vehicle just because there are additional features not available to an indigenous Irish equivalent vehicle. The best thing for the buyer to do is contact the NCT centre first, before importing the vehicle, and have a chat about likely costs for additional features. It's the best way to avoid surprises."
Sound advice if you ask me.
What does 'cost to change' mean?
Hi!
You have come highly recommended! Can you tell me please what do you mean by 'look at the cost to change'? Looking to trade in a Honda Jazz, 2005, 50k, 2 years left on NCT, against a Honda FRV diesel, 2008. Like this: http://bit.ly/n2soeA What cost to change am I looking at exactly.....(complete car ignoramus!)
Annmarie Jones (Dublin)Aug 2011 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Annmarie,
Well you aren't expected to know everything! When we talk about 'cost to change' we mean that lots of people go into a dealership and are fixed on how much the dealer is giving them for their car.
When you do this, you are ignoring any potential discount there might be on the car you are buying. In the case of the Honda FR-V you show here, the car is €18,950. Let's say your Jazz is worth €5,000, which is probably about right, if the dealer says it will be €13,950 to change he is not really giving you any discount off the FR-V.
When pricing a used car, a dealer is trying to figure out how much it will cost him to prep it for sale, which is often around €800. There is no major science to this, all we mean is that if you fixate too much on the price the dealer is offering you for your car you might not see the whole picture. Focus instead on how much it will cost you to get into your next car instead.
Bear in mind that they do have to make some money, but use this as a guide when you are choosing your next one. If all this is still a mystery to you, come back to me again.
I hope this helps!
What estate car for the family and dog?
Can you recommend a family car (estate) in the €6,000-€7,000 price range? Should I be looking at the engine size to balance the extra weight of a family and dog!?
Steve Lynch (Bray)Aug 2011 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Steve,
A fair degree depends on your mileage and how much you are prepared to pay per year in motor tax. Bearing in mind that you will be getting an older car, the motor tax can be pricier, but that is just a fact of life. If you want to carry lots of people and stuff then a diesel will be a better choice in an estate because there is more torque but it isn't essential.
If you weren't afraid of the odd bill, then a BMW 320D Estate would be a super car. I've owned one and they are great, but get expensive the older they get.
I'd be very tempted by this Nissan X-Trail which has low mileage, is diesel and would be great for the family.
This Peugeot 407 SW is superb value and lots of car for the money.
I think out of that lot, I'd probably have the Focus though.
I hope this helps!
I'd say something like a 2005 Ford Focus 1.6 Diesel Estate would be a good place to start - something like this one as it would be cheap to run and spacious as well as good to drive too.
When should I service my Kia Cee'd diesel?
How often should I get my diesel car serviced? It's a 2007 Kia Cee'd 1.6 CRDi. I got it serviced in May this year. The garage recommends it gets servived every 10,000 km. I've now done 12,500 since last service. Theres 80,000km on clock. Money tight at the minute so wondering could I stretch it for another 2,000 km or so?
Lorcan Tobin (Dundalk)Aug 2011 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Lorcan,
We spoke to Kia Ireland and they said that your car should be serviced at 20,000km intervals so you have another 8,000km until you need to do it again according to them!
When is the timing belt due on a Peugeot 807?
When is timing belt due for change on peugeot 807 and what else has to be done with it?
Padraig Sinnott (Donard)Aug 2011 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Padraig,
We asked Peugeot Ireland about this and they told us - "For this vehicle with a 2 litre diesel engine we recommend 80000 km or 5 years with ever comes first."
Aside from that make sure to check on the diesel particulate filter.
I hope this helps
What's causing my Skoda Octavia starting problems?
My 2006 Skoda Octavia 1.9 diesel takes ages to start in the morning. When it does start it runs all day without any problems. Is it injector related?
James Mcghee (Paisley )Aug 2011 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi James,
We doubt that this is injector related. It's more likely to be a glow plug problem. Thankfully that's much cheaper to fix! Bring the car along to a mechanic and get a quote.
Hope that helps.
What car to replace my 5 Series?
Hi guys. Might be a tricky one as its really a matter of opinion but i'm trying to replace a money pit '01 BMW 5 Series with something a little cheaper to run.
I've about 8 to 9k to spend on something in the Mondeo/407/Passat region. Has to be Diesel. I'm not too pushed about mileage as age is more of a concern reliability wise. Obviously very little compares to my current motor for comfort and build quiality but any major flaws you know of with cars that class would make the decision a bit easier.
For instance i've heard the Passat has major issues with it's electronic handbrake, A/C, and electrics and the Rover 75 may be tricky for parts. Obviously any recomendations would be personal taste but i'm stumped so any help would be much appreciated. My only absolute no is the Vecta. Been there. No interest in going back. All suggestions greatly appreciated.
Gar O'Neill
Gareth O'Neill (Drogheda)Aug 2011 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Gar,
We are never short on opinion here at CompleteCar.ie Gar, so you have come to the right place. Coming out of your 5 Series you are going to have to buy something that is vaguely interesting or you are going to really hate whatever you buy. Given that you are concerned about reliability you are right to express some concerns about the Passat. Unfortunately there have been quite a few issues with the last model Passat and it would probably stop me buying one second hand, even though it is usually the default choice. I'm not sure why you mentioned the Rover 75, but lets pretend that you didn't.
If I was buying something with €8,000 - €9,000 I think it would probably be a Mazda6 Diesel. I really like them and they age really nicely.
You would have to check the DPF is ok, but otherwise they are a cracking good car.
Should I swap my Volvo S80 for a Mondeo or Citroen C5?
Howaya.
I have a 2007 Volvo S80 D5 and it's giving me 7 litres per 100km. I'm thinking of exchanging it for either a Ford Mondeo 1.8 TDCi or a Citroen C5 1.6 - both 2008. Which car is better from economy, reliability and safety point of view or should I change at all?
Thanks
Justin McElwee (Galway)Aug 2011 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Justin,
I can't imagine why you would want to come down from a Volvo S8- into a Mondeo or Citroen C5, which are going to both feel inferior to what you have. Are you just simply bored with the car you have and want a change? Both the Mondeo and C5 are 'okay' but their diesel engines aren't as good as the Volvos.
Without fully knowing your circumstances, I would say that if you did want to get something else, then you should perhaps look at a Subaru Legacy Diesel, which for me is the best in its class around that era.
Here is one:
Otherwise, stick with what you have, because both the Mondeo and C5 will feel inferior to your S80.
I hope this helps!